version: UK | USA | International

Competence in Social Work Practice

Competence in Social Work Practice

A Practical Guide for Students and Professionals

2nd edition

Edited by Kieran O'Hagan

Paperback: £19.99 / $34.95

2007, 234mm x 156mm / 9.25in x 6in, 256pp
ISBN: 978-1-84310-485-8, BIC 2: JKSN

add to cart

This title is available for inspection.

  • description |
  • reviews |
  • contents |

Since the publication of the first edition of this classic text, the major reforms in social work education resulted in the National Occupational Standards Framework (NOSF), which requires all social workers to demonstrate competence in a number of key areas.

This practical text book covers all areas of the NOSF including social work ethics, residential care practice, child protection, risk analysis and protecting adults with learning difficulties. Numerous case studies effectively convey competent practice in social work practice, and relate core areas of competence explicitly to the relevant section of the framework.

Professionals and students involved in social work training, as well as new practitioners will value this book as an indispensable resource.

Blog posts

Kieran O’Hagan on Competence in Social Work Practice

15 January 2010

"...why is it that a very small number of social workers who have striven so hard to qualify and who have demonstrably proven their competence at the end of their training fail to maintain it in practice? [...] It certainly cannot happen overnight. The reports often expose terrible working conditions, e.g., inadequate supervision and resources, and unrealistic caseloads (and that’s even without mention of exceedingly difficult and often intimidating clients). All of these factors may adversely affect the worker’s level of performance, and in some cases, make it virtually impossible to maintain the level of competence already achieved in practice placements, and amply recorded and demonstrated in workers’ portfolio. Therein I believe, lies both the problem and the solution..."

By the same author

Cover of Cultural Competence in the Caring Professions

Cultural Competence in the Caring Professions

Kieran O'Hagan